Top 5 Herbs That Naturally Fight Inflammation

Inflammation is a hot topic in health and wellness.

The body's natural inflammatory response is, in general, good for us; it helps the body fight illnesses and any number of stressors that can negatively impact our health. 

But, chronic inflammation can also be damaging to the tissues, both internal and external, so consumers are always on the lookout for inflammation-fighting solutions. Typically, this involves healthy eating habits, among other factors.
That's why we spoke with Lindsay Etemadipour, holistic herbalist and founder of natural herbal tea company Symbi, who shares her top herbal remedies for combatting inflammation from within—naturally.

Here are her top five:
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1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
"One of my favorite herbs can be found in most grocery stories: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric. An herb used for centuries in traditional medicine, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin helps reduce inflammation-causing enzymes and cytokines in the body, which is extremely helpful for those dealing with chronic inflammation. I love using turmeric in cooking and as a daily tea. I drink it at least four to five times a week."

2. Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
"This is another kitchen herb that I absolutely adore for helping with chronic inflammation. Ginger, similar to turmeric, contains one specific compound that makes it an incredible healing herb. Gingerol is a bioactive compound that holds both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate chronic inflammation. It’s also fantastic for reducing pain that comes with inflammatory conditions."

​​3. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
"Continuing the trend of herbs you can find at the grocery store, cinnamon is an amazing anti-inflammatory—and it tastes great! It contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which hold anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that cinnamon may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances in the body.1 I also love cinnamon for regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, both of which can indirectly reduce inflammation."

4. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
"Green tea is another highly accessible herb that you can usually find just about anywhere. It is rich in polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Drinking green tea regularly may help reduce inflammation throughout the body and protect against chronic diseases associated with inflammation. When I was dealing with my last lupus flare about five years ago, I drank three cups of green tea a day to help modulate inflammation."

5. Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
"Ginseng is the only herb on this list that you cannot typically find in a grocery store. Ginseng is a powerful adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress. It contains compounds called ginsenosides, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have been shown to both slow the production of inflammatory molecules and modulate immune responses."2

References: 

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9914695/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659612/

from WellSpa360